Saving the Rose

[Mutual Devotion | Healing]

[Reserved and restrained x Unreserved and unwavering]

At seventeen, Shen Li is abandoned by her gambling-addicted father.

He takes everything of value from their home, leaving her alone. Debt collectors corner her in their rented apartment, with nowhere to run.

She prays for it all to end quickly.

In the dead of night, the whole building is silent. Thinking no one's outside anymore, Shen Li cautiously cracks open the door.

But Xie Cheng has been waiting. He instantly braces the door with one hand, frightening her into fleeing to the bathroom.

So much for a savior. He's a creditor, too.

-

Shen Li is wary and afraid of Xie Cheng.

Yet he is the one who has repeatedly rescued her from danger.

With her father gone and her mother far away, Shen Li has nowhere to go. In utter despair, she can only rely on the man who has helped her time and again.

In her darkest moments, he takes her away from the muck and shields her from the turmoil.

In her broken, battered youth, wherever Xie Cheng is becomes Shen Li's refuge.

But she mistakenly believes she's just bargaining power, while he thinks all she wants is for them to owe each other nothing.

-

On a stormy night, in the little car that has carried them through countless hardships, their long-suppressed feelings finally erupt.

They kiss passionately and confess their feelings.

Just as they think the worst is over and brighter days are ahead, a carefully laid conspiracy suddenly strikes.

Xie Cheng is sent to prison.

For three years and four months, he is cruelly unyielding, rejecting Shen Li's visits every time.

-

Shen Li refuses to give up.

She demands, "You said I wasn't bargaining power. Then why did you help me back then?"

Xie Cheng gives a half-smile and casually explains his reason.

He's certain she'll leave this time.

Theme: Love without end